Smith Rock ~ Animal Village
18x24" watercolor, 2026
* Original painting available at @rentalsalesgallerypam for rental and purchase
* Prints available on my website
* 20% of my profits will go to @warmspringswatercoalition
"Smith Rock ~ Animal Village" is included in Rental Sales Gallery's Spring Show, opening ✨tonight✨ April 24 from 4-7pm and continuing thru May 30.
This painting's title comes from a 2022 interview between @tarakerzhner and @lennecefer hosted by @nativesoutdoors about Native relationships with the place also known as Smith Rock, near Bend, in central Oregon's high desert. (Interview link in my bio.) The legends of Animal Village reflect the rich wildlife found here, and the long history and presence of the Northern Paiute.
I first visited Animal Village in 2023, walked the trails, and took reference photos for this painting. When I visit a new place, I'm curious about its history and naming. I found several conflicting and vague references to the Smith Rock name. Learning about the traditional name for this place, Animal Village, felt aligned with this incredible environment.
The linked interview also includes an animated video of the Animal Village place name story, narrated by Elder Wilson Wewa, Warm Springs Paiute Tribe's oral historian. Wewa's oral histories are collected in the book "Legends of the Northern Paiute," which includes the excellent chapter "Why Badger is Flat and Mean," involving Coyote, dancing, and farts.
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3 months ago